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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

Eclipse Glasses Cause Frenzy: 'Some People Come Out With 20 Pairs'

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Volkssterrenwacht Urania has sold 50,000 eclipse glasses in the past week, with 30,000 remaining.
  • A total solar eclipse, the first since 1999, will occur next Wednesday, with nearly 90% of the sun being obscured.
  • The demand for glasses has surged recently, causing long queues, as people rush to acquire them before they sell out.

Volkssterrenwacht Urania in Hove is experiencing a massive rush for eclipse glasses, with queues stretching long as people scramble to secure a pair for the upcoming solar eclipse. The observatory has already sold 50,000 glasses in the past week alone, and with only 30,000 left, they anticipate a complete sell-out.

We have 30,000 left. If those are gone, it's definitely over.

— Volkssterrenwacht UraniaDescribing the remaining stock of eclipse glasses at the observatory's shop.

Next Wednesday, a total solar eclipse will occur around 8:15 PM, obscuring nearly 90 percent of the sun. This celestial event is particularly significant as it's the first such eclipse visible in the region since 1999, and another won't be seen until 2081. This rarity has driven a surge in demand for specialized eclipse glasses, essential for safely viewing the phenomenon.

Since the solar eclipse appeared in the media, things have exploded.

— Marc Van den BroeckDirector of Volkssterrenwacht Urania, commenting on the recent surge in demand for eclipse glasses.

Marc Van den Broeck, director of Urania, noted the "explosion" in demand since the eclipse gained media attention. While Urania has sold 150,000 glasses this year, the recent week has seen an unprecedented spike. He contrasted the current situation with the 1999 eclipse, where sales were spread over months due to early announcements. "Now people want to get a pair of glasses quickly within one week," Van den Broeck explained.

In 1999, the solar eclipse was announced months in advance, allowing us to spread sales. The problem now is that people all want to get a pair of glasses quickly within one week.

— Marc Van den BroeckComparing the current demand for eclipse glasses to the event in 1999.

Urania has also sold 30,000 pairs online and 10,000 in bulk to opticians and pharmacists. The remaining 10,000 were sold physically in their stores this week, leading to the long waits. Van den Broeck admitted that while they expected high demand, the sheer scale of the recent rush was unexpected. Even shoppers like Greta, who called ahead and was told it would be quiet, were surprised by the long lines. She observed that some people were buying "dozens" of glasses.

So I was surprised by the long queue. But it's moving along well.

— GretaA shopper expressing surprise at the long queue for eclipse glasses but noting the line was moving.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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